Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  2002 Jeep GC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mevansva - June 1 - 12:40 am

  Roomy inside, good pickup when pulling out into traffic, very tight turning capability.

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  love the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Barb - May 31 - 7:53 am

  Recently came back from a long trip where we averaged between 20 and 22 mpg. City driving gas mileage comes in around 17 mpg. Certainly gets a lot of admiring glances. The teenage boys love it. Its great that this has that third row for unexpected riders, but there is no storage space when there are 7 people. Over all we love it!

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  Pleasanty Surprised - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - May 30 - 6:46 am

  My wife and I test drove a couple suvs recently. 2009 Honda Pilot, and 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Had my mind set on the Honda until i drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was very surprised on how well the Jeep drove. Very quiet, nice ride, smooth transmission, handled well, life-time power train warranty, and way better bang for your buck. Honda wanted $10k more for a little bigger vehicle;(2.9 inches longer). No contest, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a way better buy. My wife and i are completely satisfied. For a midsize suv I would recommend the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee over any midsize suv.

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  What a Jeep in Diesel ! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ronhale01 - May 29 - 11:46 pm

  This is the best thing to happen to any small suv. After driving this 4 cylinder diesel for two years I still am surprised at the power it delivers. What a shame Jeep does not offer the diesel in the 08 line-up for Liberty.

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  Ahhh the JEEP! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob Dog - May 29 - 2:56 am

  At 68,000 miles it has been- Totally reliable, actually getting better mileage than rated for, a pure joy to drive. This is a vehicle that is F-U- N! Wow, very, very pleased. Its exactly as advertised. Rugged, dependable, all road and all weather capable. The on & off road vehicle of choice. PLUS, wow compact size and tight turning radius makes parking/driving in the big much more relaxing.

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  The perfect car for me - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Wilson - May 28 - 10:53 am

  This vehicle is nice to look at and so much fun to drive. It is diffinitely not a bumpy riding car. There is plenty of room for storage.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jengiddens - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Grand Cherokee. I love this vehicle! The only drawbacks are not-so-great gas mileage and higher insurance rates.

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  So far sooo good! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By desertjeeper - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first American brand car since 1985. I am very happy with this car to date and not one regret. Traded in a RAV4L, what a difference! Way more fun to drive. Surprised at value for money in comparison.

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  Gentle power of the Hemi V8 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chazs - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have the Hemi version, which to my surprise (on test drive) was more fun than 350hp supercharged Z3 i own. It is just plain fun to drive. Comfort and power in what ever combination you require to suit your mood that day.

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  Used 2016 Jeep Cherokee Great Purchase - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Casey - May 27 - 1:07 am

  Check for small missing parts. The cup holders were missing there liners and there was no owners manual. Fortunately with todays times I can access the manual online and the parts were easy to order.